The Padres' second baseman wants to have a chat with Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak to clear the air about soured negotiations following the 2007 season. Eckstein got a one-year free agent deal with the Toronto Blue Jays after he said the Cardinals never made an offer while spreading rumors he wanted too much money.

Eckstein blamed Mozeliak, while careful not to use his name.

"I just had a problem about the way the one person went about it," Eckstein said before a three-game series in St. Louis. "It was kind of attacking my character and my agent's character. Just tell the truth: You don't want me."

Eckstein said he might have that long-awaited conversation with Mozeliak this weekend "just to let him know I know the truth, as opposed to what was actually put out there."

"The information went out to the fans who really took me (in) and it made me seem not the person I was. Instead of just saying 'Hey, we don't want you anymore."'

A call by The Associated Press to Mozeliak was not immediately returned.

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said Eckstein is one of the toughest players he's managed, and added he'd be applauding when Eckstein came to bat the first time.

"He sets the bar," La Russa said. "Remarkable, to be respected, admired. It's not genes, it's a commitment you make."

Eckstein moved from shortstop to second base after leaving St. Louis, which appeared to be a bone of contention in negotiations with the team. He said it's always been his desire to play that position, noting he was a second baseman his entire life until making it to the major leagues. He led major league second basemen with a .997 fielding percentage.

"It's been great managing him," Black said. "I had him when I was a coach at Anaheim and he's been everything I expected."

Meanwhile, Padres pitcher Chris Young(FSY), out since mid-June with shoulder inflammation, will undergo arthroscopic surgery on Monday in San Diego. The procedure could sideline the 6-10 right-hander, 5-6 with a 5.21 ERA, the rest of the season.

"The doctors will go in, have a look and hopefully get a better idea of what's causing his problem," Black said. "So far the scans have come back normal."

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

To report corrections and clarifications, contact Reader Editor Brent Jones. For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and state for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections.usatoday.com.

Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more.